Open or Grow a Business

Whether you're leasing an existing storefront, taking over a space from a commercial landlord, or planning new construction, this page gets you to the right conversation with the City first — before you sign a lease or submit an application.

Start Here: Talk to the Building Department

Most questions about opening or expanding a business start with one call, before any paperwork:

Building Department 2025 Beechmont St., Keego Harbor, MI 48320 Phone: (248) 682-1930 x3 Email: buildingdept@keegoharbor.org Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–5:00pm (closed Friday–Sunday)

The City Planner contracted with McKenna meets with applicants by appointment, Monday and Wednesday — scheduled through the Building Department at the number above.

Working with a commercial landlord? Before you sign a lease, ask the landlord or property manager two things: whether the space's current zoning approval covers your intended use, and whether it already has the occupancy classification you need. If a prior tenant ran a similar business, this step can be quick. If you're changing the use — a retail space becoming a restaurant, for example — flag it early, since it can add approvals on the City's side.

Have the Initial Conversation

Come to the conversation with:

  • The address or property you're considering
  • What the business will do (the more specific, the faster this goes)
  • Whether you're leasing an existing space or building/renovating

City staff will tell you whether your intended use is permitted in that property's zoning district, and whether it's a straightforward registration or one that needs additional review — before you've committed to the location.

Your Path Depends on the Project

Opening in an existing building (most businesses). After confirming your use is zoned correctly, the process is:

  1. Submit a Zoning Permit Application with a description of your business — a $125 nonrefundable fee.
  2. Meet with the City Planner. Review the New Business Packet beforehand.
  3. Once approved, submit a Business Registration Application — a one-time $225 fee.
  4. Register annually after that: a renewed Business Registration Application and $40 fee (cash or check), due to City Hall by January 30 each year.

Depending on your space and signage plans, you may also need a building, occupancy, or sign approval — the Building Department will tell you which apply during your initial conversation.

Building new, or a major redevelopment. New construction, a mixed-use project, or a significant site redevelopment follows a longer process with more City review along the way: Start this path the same way — a conversation with the Building Department — but expect it to include an initial discussion with the City Manager, Planning Commission or board review and a formal site plan application. It's also worth reviewing the 2025 Master Land Use Plan and Zoning Districts before your first meeting.

Fixing Up a Space?

If your project includes exterior work — a storefront, signage, awnings, or landscaping — the Site & Façade Improvement Grant can match up to $10,000 for property and business owners in the TIFA district. Worth asking about in your first conversation, whether you're leasing or own the building.

Other Useful Documents